CBDT to set up IT grievance redressal mechanism

To streamline grievance redressal mechanism, the Central Board of Direct Taxes has issued an order for setting up a dedicated structure for delivery and monitoring of tax payer services in the Income Tax Department. Member (Revenue and Tax Payer Services) will oversee the delivery and monitoring of taxpayer services in CBDT. Two separate Directorates, called Directorate of Tax Payer Services I and Directorate of Tax Payer Services II have been set up. Together, these Directorates will be responsible for delivery and monitoring of taxpayers services in the field offices and e-services deliverable through various electronic platforms of the Department. They will oversee and co-ordinate all matters relating to grievances of taxpayers and ensure their timely redressal.

In a statement, Pr. Commissioner of Income Tax (Media and Technical Policy)and Official Spokesperson, CBDT Shefali Shah said these Directorates will report to the Member (R and TPS), CBDT, through the Principal Director General of Income Tax (Administration).The responsibility for delivery of tax payer services has also been specifically assigned at every level in the field offices. This will ensure accountability of officials in redressing grievances in a time bound manner.

She added that the Tax Administration Reforms Commission’s (TARC) Report has also accorded considerable importance to redressal of grievances and called for creating a customer focussed approach in the Department through creation of a tax payer services vertical. The creation of this structure will fulfill some of the most significant recommendations of the TARC. With this initiative the CBDT expects a noteworthy reduction in taxpayer grievances and enhanced taxpayer satisfaction.

The new system, Shah said, will be add on the existing one for addressing grievances through a multi-layered grievance redressal machinery including Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS), Aayakar Seva Kendras (ASK), online grievance redressal through Central Processing Centre (CPC), etc.